A Waipio Valley + Waterfalls tour by Wasabi Tours. Back to all tours.
Tour Summary: Explore majestic Waipi‘o Valley, the lush and tropical Hamakua Coast, and multiple stunning waterfalls on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii on this day full of fun and exciting adventure.
Important information:
Since the indefinite closure of Waipiʻo Valley Road to everyone but residents this tour has been suspended until further notice (details). See the currently available circle island tours for alternatives.
Large photoYou'll traverse shallow river streams and pass by taro fields while down in the valley. Image credit: Wasabi Tours
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A short hike to the towering 'Akaka falls through lush tropical forests. Image credit: Wasabi Tours
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A short stop at the Waipi'o Valle overlook before you head down into the valley. Image credit: Wasabi Tours
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There are people living in Waipi'o Valley. You can see the road and some houses and agricultural activity on the valley floor.
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You get to spend 1.5 to 2 hours in the valley surrounded by native flora and fauna. Image credit: Wasabi Tours
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Your guide will share the stories and legends of Waipio valley while you marvel at Hawaii Island’s tallest waterfall, Hi’ilawe Falls, which cascades down 1300 feet in the back of the valley. Image credit: Wasabi Tours
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With some luck you'll get to see some of the wild horses roaming the valley. Image credit: Wasabi Tours
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This tour includes a short hike to the private Kawainui Stream Falls. Image credit: Wasabi Tours
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You'll get the chance to swim at the waterfalls (weather permitting) so don't forget to bring swimming gear! Image credit: Wasabi Tours
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In Hilo, the guide will take you on a tour of a tropical fruit farm as you sample seasonal fruit and fresh macadamia nuts at a private lookout overlooking world-famous Rainbow Falls. Image credit: Wasabi Tours
Tour Highlights:
- Explore the legendary Waipi’o valley (and go down to the valley floor in a 4×4 van)
- Walk through a rainforest and discover the towering ‘Akaka Falls that plummets into a stream-eroded gorge
- Swim or kayak under a 60-foot private waterfall seen in several Hollywood movies
- Descent into the ancient Kaumana lava cave to learn more about the volcanic processes that continue to shape the Big Island.
- Walk through a rainforest and discover the towering Akaka Falls that plummets into a stream-eroded gorge, and view the famous Rainbow Falls in Hilo
- Discover native flora and fauna and learn about the legend and history of Hawaii from knowledgeable tour guides
- This small-group tour limited to 10 people which ensures a more personalized experience
Important: Bring a swimsuit and towel for the waterfall swim and wear comfortable summer clothing. Covered walking shoes are recommended.
Tour Information:
| Price: | Adult | Youth |
|---|---|---|
| (excluding taxes & fees) | $225 | $215 |
Tour Provider: Wasabi Tours
Activity: Waipio Valley + Waterfalls
Tour start time: Between 7 am to 8 am depending on pickup location
Duration: 10 to 11 hours
Departure from: Kailua Kona
Pick-up available? Yes! Pick up from all resorts and hotels in Keahou, Kona, Waikoloa, and Kohala area between 7 am to 8 am
Included: Bento lunch consisting of teriyaki chicken, fish, vegetables, and steamed rice with assorted juices, snacks, and bottled water. . All park entrance fees, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and rain gear.. Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Cancellations: Minimum 24 hours notice for groups of 1-5, 48 hours notice for groups of 6 or more, and 72 hour notice for private groups to receive a full refund.
Read more: about waipio valley on the Love Big Island website in our waipio valley guide.
Since the indefinite closure of Waipiʻo Valley Road to everyone but residents this tour has been suspended until further notice (details). See the currently available circle island tours for alternatives.
Explore the majestic Waipi‘o Valley, the lush and tropical Hamakua Coast, and get to see multiple stunning waterfalls on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii on this full day of fun and exciting adventure. Discover the island’s diverse natural beauty, including multiple waterfalls, lush rain forests, and rugged sea cliffs as your guide shares history and legends.
Tour itinerary
After you pick up from hotels in the Kona and Kohala coast area we drive north to Waipi‘o Valley while passing through Waimea and Parker Ranch. At the Waipi‘o Valley overlook we change vehicle to a 4WD van and descend into the majestic valley over one of the steepest roads in the country!
Once down on the valley floor we traverse shallow river streams and pass by taro fields surrounded by native flora and fauna while our guide shares the stories and legends of this special place while you marvel at Hawaii Island’s tallest waterfall, Hi‘ilawe Falls, which cascades down 1300 feet (400 meters) in the back of the valley. Marvel the rugged sea cliffs and mile long black sand beach as you head back to Waipi‘o Valley lookout for the stunning views as you enjoy a gourmet lunch.
The Hi‘ilawe falls (center left) are visible from many points in the valley. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis
In the afternoon, we continue the drive down the scenic Hamakua Coast and visit the towering ‘Akaka Falls, which plummets 442 feet (130 meters) into a stream-eroded gorge. The short and easy hike to the falls takes you through a stunning tropical park so keep your camera ready!
A short hike to the towering ‘Akaka falls through lush tropical forests. Image credit: Wasabi Tours
If the weather permits it, you will get to swim or kayak under a private waterfall to cool down after a short hike. Our guide will also take you on a tour of a tropical fruit farm in Hilo as you sample seasonal fruit and fresh macadamia nuts at a private lookout overlooking world-famous Rainbow Falls.
The last stop will be at the ancient Kaumana lava cave , where you enter the dark lava tube to learn more about the volcanic processes that continue to shape the Big Island.
The adventure ends with the return to Kona or Kohala Coast resorts via the scenic Saddle Road nestled between the world’s tallest sea mountain, Mauna Kea, and world’s most massive mountain, Mauna Loa.
Frequently asked questions about the Waipi‘o Valley and Waterfalls tour:
There are some short and easy hikes of no more than 0.5 miles throughout the tour.
Yes! Weather permitting you can swim at a private Kulaniapia waterfalls.
There are some short and easy hikes of no more than 0.5 miles throughout the tour.
You will spend 2 hours inside the valley. This includes a fun ride in a four wheel drive van down (and up) the extremely steep access road. Hold on to your seats!
Video showing tour highlights:
The following video shows selected tour highlights (Waipi‘o Valley, the ‘Akaka Falls state park, and the Rainbow falls).
Wasabi Tours is a locally owned and operated company specialize in guided small group tours on the Big Island. Their multilingual guides (speaking English, Chinese, and Spanish) are all park ranger trained with years of experience guiding fully narrated tours on the island. They have a wealth of knowledge about the history, cultures, geography, wildlife and botany of Hawaii.
Wasabi Tours Hawaii proudly supports the sustainable tourism tenets of the Sustainable Tourism of Hawaii Association. In accordance with these values they maintain an ongoing commitment in the areas of environmental preservation, interpretive training for staff, and guest relationship management.
They have been in business since 2006 and strive to create tours that allow guests not only discover highlights of the island, but also to explore off the beaten paths. They receive consistent stellar reviews both for the content of their tours and for their tour guides, and we are confident you will be in capable hands with them.
Wasabi Tour Hawaii’s top priority is the health and safety of their guests and employees. They are closely monitoring the situation and guidance from the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control, and Hawaii Department of Health.
In addition to their standard cleaning procedures their tours are currently limited groups of 12 guests or less to accommodate COVID restrictions. They have also implemented the following enhanced measures:
Before each tour starts:
- All lunch meals are prepared in their certified commercial kitchen,which follows the strict guidelines required by the State of Hawaii Department of Health.
- Verification for disinfectant cleaning in the tour vehicle is mandatory for all guides.
- Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers are provided for all guests in the vehicle
During each tour:
- Proper hand washing procedures and best practices for hygiene are communicated on each tour.
After each tour ends:
- All interior and exterior of the vans are thoroughly cleaned with disinfectant by dedicated cleaners.
- Seats belts, headrest, armrest, seats, control knobs, dashboards, key, handles and all upholstery are additionally wiped with disinfectant.
- All jackets are cleaned with disinfectants after each tour and are deep cleaned/washed weekly.
The Wasabi Tour team members are instructed to remain home at any sign of illness and are aware of proper hand washing procedures. Wasabi Tours recognizes that these are uncertain times and they are committed to do everything they can to take care of their guests and community.
We are affiliate partners with Wasabi Tours meaning that we receive a percentage for each successful booking made through our website. This happens without any additional charge to you! (read more on the use of those links on our website here).
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